LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Nebraska will host the governors of two neighboring states this month to discuss what they can do to
attract more hunters, bird watchers, and other tourists who want to enjoy nature. Gov. Dave Heineman announced Monday that he is hosting Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper on March 23. The governors are expected to discuss eco-tourism, economic development and water issues that affect all three states. The Nebraska Division of Tourism and Travel says residents and out-of-state visitors made more than 19 million trips in the state in 2010 to destinations at least 100 miles from their home. The governors are expected to meet in Wood River to view Nebraska’s Sandhill Cranes.
Category: News
Nebraska Man convicted of ID Theft.. Gets a one year vacation at Penitentiary
A Nebraska man will spend a year in federal prison for using his brother’s Social Security number while collecting $189,401 in disability and welfare benefits. U.S. Attorney Deborah Gilg says 53-year-old Mickey Lee Tucker was sentenced Friday for identity theft. Prosecutors say the Valley man was also ordered to repay the benefits he collected improperly on his own Social Security number while using his brother’s identity.
Former Scottsbluff Police Officer headed to Prison
A former Scottsbluff police officer has been sentenced to five to 10 years in prison for having videos and
pictures of child pornography. Tyler Reinpold, of Scottsbluff, was sentenced Friday after being found guilty in January of 10 counts of possessing child pornography. Reinpold had faced up to 20 years in prison.
Reinpold had claimed the images were part of a police investigation he was conducting, but prosecutors said there was no evidence that the images were part of any investigation.
Robbery Thwarted in Omaha
An Omaha man has been wounded while rescuing
his cousin from a would-be robber.
Police say 26-year-old Jeremy Vieyra was leaving a bar south of
downtown Omaha early morning when he saw his cousin, 25-year-old
David Newton, of Omaha, struggling with a robber.
Vieyra told officers he thwarted the robbery but was shot in a
hand as he and his cousin ran away.
His cousin wasn’t hurt. Vieyra was treated at the scene.
No arrest has been reported.
North Platte To Host Governor’s Conference on Rural Development
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (AP) – Small towns across Nebraska will be able to learn more about strategies they can use to strengthen their communities at a conference in North Platte next month. The governor’s conference on rural development will be held on April 18. The daylong event will focus on how small communities can boost economic development. Before April, registration costs $50 per person. After that registration costs $75. More details are available online at www.serve.nebraska.gov .
Increase in Legislative Salaries, Term Limits May Wind Up on Ballot
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Nebraska voters could get the chance this year to increase lawmaker salaries and expand legislative term limits, but both proposals could face long odds in a presidential election that will draw a big turnout. Supporters say the proposals are needed to ensure legislators are paid enough so that more Nebraskans can afford to serve, and to ensure the Legislature has experienced lawmakers. If approved by lawmakers, both proposals would appear on the November ballot.
GOP Senatorial Candidate Fischer Outlines Energy Plan
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Reducing America’s dependency on foreign oil and expanding nuclear and coal power are among GOP U.S. Senate candidate Deb Fischer’s goals in an energy plan she unveiled this week. Fischer, a state lawmaker from Valentine, says she would also encourage domestic oil production and further develop alternative energy, like wind and solar power. Fischer says “career politicians in Washington … have failed to put together a serious plan to lower energy costs.” The result, she says, is soaring energy costs that are hurting families and small businesses. Fischer is among five Republicans seeking the Senate seat now held by Sen. Ben Nelson, a Democrat. The others are state Attorney General Jon Bruning, state Treasurer Don Stenberg, investment adviser Pat Flynn and truck driver Spencer Zimmerman.
Husker Baseball Blanked By Cal; Aim For Series Split This Afternoon
After putting 12 runs on the board in a win on Saturday, the Nebraska baseball team was unable to find an offensive rhythm on Sunday afternoon in a 4-0 loss to the 21st-ranked California Golden Bears at Hawks Field in Lincoln. The Huskers compiled just three hits on the afternoon as six Cal pitchers combined for the shutout. Tom Lemke worked six and two-thirds innings in his start for the Huskers and was tagged with the hard-luck loss, as he allowed three runs, all earned, on nine hits. The Bears hold a 2-1 advantage in the four game series that concludes today. The Huskers will look for a series split tomorrow when they send Tyler Niederklein to the mound for his first start of the season. Cal will counter with Mike Theofanopolous. First pitch at Hawks Field is set for 7:05.
Lincoln woman convicted for role in meth ring
A 47-year-old Lincoln woman has been convicted for her role in a methamphetamine ring. A news release from the office of U.S. Attorney Deborah Gilg says Regina Leonard was found guilty on Thursday of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of meth. Prosecutors say Leonard was one of a group of people who were buying and selling meth in the Lincoln area from June 2005 to May
2010.
She faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison
when she’s sentenced on June 1.
Woman injured in snowplow accident recieves over $200K from NE
A woman who was injured in a 2009 snowplow
crash in Platte County will receive $227,500 from the state of
Nebraska, under a settlement agreement that requires legislative
approval.
The settlement stems from a lawsuit filed by Jenny Ternus, who
was struck by a state snowplow in January 2009 while driving north
on U.S. Highway 81 near Humphrey.
The lawsuit in Platte County District Court alleged that the
snowplow struck Ternus’ vehicle at the intersection of Highway 81
and Highway 91. The lawsuit says the snowplow driver failed to
maintain a proper lookout and keep control of the state vehicle.
The lawsuit says Ternus suffered from back and arm injuries,
lost wages, and accumulated more than $62,000 in medical bills. Her
car was totaled.
Ternus’ attorney declined to comment.